Citrus Turkey Brine

This turkey brine adds a whole orange, lemon, and limes cut up. This adds a light citrus flavor to the brine and a touch of acid that helps to carry the flavors of the brine into the meat.

See Also

Holiday Poultry Brine

Smoked Turkey Brine

Poultry Brine

Ingredients

1 gallon water

1 cup salt (1 1/2 cups Kosher or coarse salt)

3/4 cup white sugar

1 large lime

1 lemon

1 orange

1 onion, cut into thick slices

4 cloves garlic, crushed

4 bay leaves

1 tablespoon dried thyme

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: Makes about 1 gallon of brine

Preparation

Take four cups of the water and place in a large saucepan. Bring to a low boil. Add salt and sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Cut lemon, lime and orange into 1/8ths. Add remaining ingredients. Reduce heat to low and cover. Let simmer for 30 minutes. Pour into a large pot. Add remaining water (cold) and refrigerate until completely cooled.

Place poultry and brine in a large plastic container.

Keep refrigerated. Brine for 1 hour per pound.

Thoroughly rinse all the brine from the turkey before cooking. Otherwise there will be a salty flavor to the turkey. For a more detailed explanation, see my article on Brining Turkey.